Iran issued a direct warning on Sunday that it would target U.S. military assets, commercial shipping, and Israel if the United States carries out any military action during the nationwide protests currently gripping the country.
The statement came from Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf during a televised address, marking one of the strongest official threats from Tehran since demonstrations erupted earlier this month.
“In the event of a military attack by the United States, both the occupied territory and centers of the U.S. military and shipping will be our legitimate targets,” Ghalibaf told lawmakers. His reference to “occupied territory” is widely interpreted as Israel, which Iran does not recognize and considers illegally occupying Palestinian lands.
The warning was broadcast by Iranian state television and comes as the country faces its most significant wave of unrest in years. Activists report that more than 100 people have been killed since the protests began, while demonstrations have spread across major cities, including Tehran, Mashhad, and Isfahan. Iranian authorities have described ongoing “large-scale” arrest operations but have not released official figures.
The unrest, fueled by widespread economic hardship and public anger over government policies, has been marked by confrontations between crowds and security forces. Videos circulating on social media show demonstrators clashing with police, though state media coverage has been limited. Officials claim that arrests primarily involve those orchestrating or coordinating the protests.
Ghalibaf’s remarks underscore Tehran’s intent to deter U.S. intervention, following repeated statements by President Donald Trump expressing readiness to support Iranian protesters and warnings to Iran against using force. Trump has stated that the United States is closely monitoring the situation and has not ruled out taking action if Iranian authorities escalate their crackdown.
Experts say the warning reflects both domestic and international calculations. Domestically, Iranian leaders aim to project strength amid growing civil unrest, signaling to citizens that the government remains in control. Internationally, the statement serves as a clear signal to Washington and its allies that any military engagement would provoke retaliation not only against U.S. forces but also against commercial shipping and Israel.
Iran’s rhetoric aligns with long-standing policy framing Israel as a hostile entity linked to U.S. interests in the region. By explicitly including Israel in his warning, Ghalibaf reiterated Tehran’s decades-long strategic doctrine, while also reminding the international community of Iran’s willingness to respond to perceived aggression.
Tensions between Iran and the United States have simmered for years, occasionally erupting into direct and indirect confrontations. Most recently, last June’s 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran highlighted the fragile regional balance, when U.S. forces struck Iranian nuclear-related facilities during the final stages of the hostilities. Since then, Tehran has consistently cautioned Washington against re-entering the region militarily, framing any intervention as interference in Iran’s internal affairs.
Analysts say Ghalibaf’s remarks are designed to send multiple messages simultaneously. To the domestic audience, they portray Iranian leadership as resolute and willing to defend national sovereignty against external threats. To the international community, they signal that U.S. or allied actions could trigger a rapid escalation with far-reaching consequences, potentially endangering American forces and commercial shipping in the Gulf and beyond.
Inside Iran, government officials continue to portray the protests as being influenced by foreign powers, insisting that security forces are acting within legal boundaries. Activists and human rights groups challenge these claims, citing high casualty counts and reports of aggressive police tactics, including the use of live ammunition and mass detentions.
Observers note that the timing of Ghalibaf’s warning is significant. The protests come amid mounting economic pressures in Iran, including high inflation, unemployment, and declining purchasing power. Demonstrators have demanded accountability, government reform, and relief from economic hardship, while authorities have responded with a combination of arrests, roadblocks, and public statements portraying the unrest as externally fueled.
“The message from Tehran is clear: the Iranian leadership wants to deter any outside interference while projecting internal strength,” said Leyla Shadmehr, an expert on Middle Eastern geopolitics. “By publicly naming U.S. and Israeli targets, Iran is signaling that any miscalculation could have immediate regional consequences.”
The international response has been cautious, with several countries urging restraint from all sides. The European Union called for dialogue, while the United Nations expressed concern over reported casualties and the rights of demonstrators to peacefully protest. Washington has not indicated an imminent military response but continues to monitor developments closely, including movements of Iranian military and naval forces in the region.
As protests continue to grow in intensity and scope, Iran’s warning adds a volatile dimension to an already tense situation. Analysts say the coming days will be critical in determining whether the unrest remains largely domestic or sparks broader regional implications involving U.S. forces, shipping lanes in the Persian Gulf, and longstanding rivalries with Israel.
For now, Tehran has made it clear that it considers any military action by Washington during the unrest to be a direct threat, with consequences extending well beyond Iranian borders.
